AP US Government and Politics College Board

This subject is broken down into 60 topics in 5 modules:

  1. American Political Idologies and Beliefs 10 topics
  2. Civil Liberties and Civil Rights 13 topics
  3. Foundations of American Democracy 9 topics
  4. Interactions Among Branches of Government 15 topics
  5. Political Participation 13 topics
Study this subject in the Adapt App →
  • 5
    modules
  • 60
    topics
  • 22,361
    words of revision content
  • 2+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

A preview of AP US Government and Politics in the Adapt app

Adapt is a revision planning app with full content coverage and unlimited past paper questions for 1,200+ GCSE and A Level subjects.

Study this subject in the Adapt app →

US Government and Politics

American Political Idologies and Beliefs

American Attitudes about Government and Politics

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

American Attitudes about Government and Politics

American Attitudes about Government and Politics

General Public Opinion

  • Public opinion is the collective attitude of citizens concerning issues of national importance.
  • Political socialisation is the process through which individuals acquire political beliefs and attitudes.
  • Primary influences on political socialisation include family, school, peers, and media.

Role of Government

  • Some Americans believe in a ‘limited government’ role, minimal involvement in economic affairs and maximum personal freedoms.
  • Others believe in a more ‘active government’ role, pertaining to greater involvement in society and the economy to manage issues such as inequality and lack of economic opportunity.
  • Fluctuating opinions about the scope and size of the government are often influenced by political, economic, and social contexts.

Political Ideologies

  • Conservatives often advocate for limited government, free markets, and traditional societal values.
  • Liberals generally endorse a more active government role in social issues and the economy, pushing forward progressive values.
  • Moderates hold viewpoints that fall between liberal and conservative beliefs.
  • Libertarians stress individual freedom and are sceptical of government intervention, while Populists prefer a strong state to represent the interests of the common people vs. elites.

Party Affiliations

  • Party identification refers to the political party with which an individual identifies.
  • This identification is influenced by many factors such as family, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.
  • It's important to understand that, often, party affiliation is an indicator of an individual's core beliefs and political ideology.

Changes in Attitudes

  • Beliefs and attitudes towards politics and the government can change over time due to personal experiences, economic conditions, and significant political events.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of political efficacy,the belief that one's political participation makes a difference.
  • Real impacts of policies can sometimes challenge perceived beliefs, either strengthening or weakening political efficacy.

Remember Public opinion polls are key instruments used by analysts to gauge public sentiments, although inconsistencies and biases in polling can skew the results.

Course material for US Government and Politics, module American Political Idologies and Beliefs, topic American Attitudes about Government and Politics

US Government and Politics

Foundations of American Democracy

Relationship Between States and Federal Government

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Relationship Between States and Federal Government

Division of Power

  • The US Constitution establishes a system of 'federalism', dividing power between a central, national government (the 'federal' government) and individual state governments.

  • Dual Federalism, also known as 'layer-cake federalism', describes an arrangement where powers and responsibilities are clearly separated between the federal and state governments.

  • Cooperative Federalism, otherwise known as 'marble-cake federalism', allows federal and state governments to administer and formulate policies together to solve problems that affect the entire country.

Regulation of Interstate and International Commerce

  • The Commerce Clause in Article I of the Constitution gives the federal government the power to regulate commerce 'with foreign nations', 'among the several states', and 'with Indian Tribes'.

  • Over the years, through judicial rulings and legislative measures, the scope of the commerce clause has expanded, allowing increased federal intervention in areas traditionally regulated by states.

  • Decisions related to Interstate Commerce have significant implications on the financial, social and political ties between states.

Fiscal Federalism

  • Through grants-in-aid, the federal government can financially support specific projects or programs within states. This is a form of cooperative federalism where the federal government uses its 'spending power' to influence state policies.

  • Categorical grants are funds given to states for specific, narrowly defined purposes, often with conditions attached.

  • Block grants, on other hand, are funds given to states with fewer restrictions, allowing states more discretion over how to spend the money.

States' Rights and Conflicts

  • The 10th Amendment of the US Constitution asserts the principle of states' rights, declaring that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

  • Over time, the debate around states' rights and the balance of power between the federal and state governments has played out in areas such as civil rights, health care, and gun control.

  • Disputes between federal and state authority are often resolved in the courts, with the Supreme Court often playing a decisive role in defining the balance of power.

In summary, the relationship between states and the federal government shapes the nature of American democracy. Key principles like federalism and the division of power between federal and state governments are reflected in policy making, commerce regulation, fiscal arrangements, and handling of conflicts and disputes.

Course material for US Government and Politics, module Foundations of American Democracy, topic Relationship Between States and Federal Government

Can I trust Adapt’s expertise?

Adapt is already used by over 600,000 students and trusted by over 3,000 schools. Our exam-specific content and assessments are meticulously crafted by expert teachers and examiners.

Find out more about the Adapt app →

Planner

An always up-to-date revision timetable.

A personalised, flexible revision timetable that stays up-to-date automatically.

Content

All the exam resources, in one place.

Over 20,000 topics broken down into manageable lessons with teacher-written, exam-specific lessons.

Assessment

Past-paper questions, with instant feedback.

Unlimited past paper questions with instant examiner feedback on how to improve.

Progress

Track progress, together.

Progress tracking to stay motivated, with real-time updates to the Parent Portal.

Download the app today to start revising for free.